GUITARIST & COMPOSER JON DURANT: MOMENTARILY ALBUM
Celebrated composer and guitarist Jon Durant joins us on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s TOAST TO THE ARTS podcast where he discusses his new album “Momentarily.” It’s an amalgamation of transcultural, jazz-related styles, that gives way to euphoric, universally relatable grooves and soundscapes.
A trio recording featuring Durant alongside longtime musical partners Colin Edwin (bass) and Andi Pupato (drums/percussion), both legends in their own right, this musical jewel showcases rare mastery through individually compelling tracks and comprehensive arc. The responsive and fluid interaction of these three collaborators immediately draws listeners in. Created initially as a series of guitar improvisations by Durant, the composer then developed and rearranged the pieces for trio. Grounded musical elements beautifully balance freely improvised aspects, hinting at one of the key ingredients of Durant’s signature, sublime sound. The seamless flow between composition and improvisation leaves the listener in an effortless state of engagement.
Percussionist Andi Pupato (Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin, Andreas Vollenwider, Fractal Sextet) shines throughout with his totally unique hybrid kit comprising both hand drums and conventional drum set. This distinctive collection of timbres emotes the open space of European jazz with considerable Middle Eastern elements that the hand drums reveal alongside Durant’s Fretless guitar. Anchoring the whole process is bassist Colin Edwin (O.R.k., Gaudi, Burnt Belief), with whom Durant has worked extensively over the past 12 years. On “Momentarily” he is playing acoustic basses (upright and fretless acoustic) providing a sonorous low end balancing out the whole picture. His beautifully melodic playing on the opening track “In A Moment” provides especially delightful interaction with Durant and Pupato.
Among the standout tracks on the album is the epic “Rockets on Kyiv.” Originally conceived and recorded on the morning Russia bombed the glass bridge in Kyiv (where Durant, Edwin and Ukrainian singer Inna Kovtun had filmed many scenes in the video for their song “Gannochka”). When Durant steps on the distortion on this one, you can instantly feel the deep emotions he was experiencing that morning. In addition, the one track with fretted guitar (“Bitter Wind”) shows a depth of gratitude towards his Scandinavian musical influences.
Combining a nuanced and emotive fretless playing style with explorative effects, Durant integrates aspects of jazz, ambient music, progressive rock, and ethnically sourced material in lush, multi-textured melodies. His signature “guitar clouds” create compelling textures and moods over which he brings directionality with enticing riffs and solos. Sought out for his uniquely American aesthetic in a predominantly European style, Durant is a go-to collaborator for multi-genre, improvised music.
“Momentarily” is available on Bandcamp and all streaming services. More: https://jondurant.bandcamp.com/
